Beverly reacts to Angie Miller’s elimination from American Idol’

It was an “American Idol” shocker, but Angie Miller was eliminated from the show last night during a live results broadcast on the FOX Network. Local reaction back in her hometown of Beverly communicated the disbelief expressed at Miller’s dismissal from the long-running televised singing show, but also e...

By Nick Malfitano / nmalfitano@wickedlocal.com

MetroWest Daily News, Framingham, MA

By Nick Malfitano / nmalfitano@wickedlocal.com

Posted May. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 10, 2013 at 10:15 AM

By Nick Malfitano / nmalfitano@wickedlocal.com

Posted May. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 10, 2013 at 10:15 AM

Beverly, Mass.

» Social News

It was an “American Idol” shocker, but Angie Miller was eliminated from the show last night during a live results broadcast on the FOX Network. Local reaction back in her hometown of Beverly communicated the disbelief expressed at Miller’s dismissal from the long-running televised singing show, but also expressed pride at her many accomplishments and how she hopes to progress with her singing career going forward.

“I was surprised,” said Mayor Bill Scanlon. “But she’s had a great run and has a very promising career in front of her.”

Scanlon said that Miller “definitely got far enough to be noticed.”

“People in Beverly have had a great time [following her on ‘Idol’]),” he continued. “She’s got a great future.”

Todd Lampert, owner of Todd’s Sporting Goods and the creator of the now-famous “Team Angie” orange-and-black T-shirts worn by many local citizens and fans of Miller’s, was equally surprised at last night’s turn of events.

“I was shocked. Completely shocked,” said Lampert. “I didn’t think there was any way that she wouldn’t be on the finale.”

Lampert speculated that perhaps some voters might have been swayed by the portrayal of the challenging life of fellow contestant Kree Harrison, who lost both of her parents by the time she was 19 years old.

“The look on everybody’s faces on TV said it all,” said Lampert, adding that he felt Miller was the most talented all-around artist out of the three contestants, since she can write, sing and play instruments very well.

Lampert said that he has plenty of the “Team Angie” shirts left and their sales are still going to benefit the Beverly High School music department.

“I have some left, and then when I’m done selling them and the time comes, I think I’ll give the rest of them to her if she wants,” said Lampert.

Lampert thanked Miller for everything that she did over the course of the competition.

“It’s phenomenal that she came from this city,” said Lampert. “We’re so blessed to have such talent here, be it academic, athletic or performing, and she’s been the epitome of that.”

Ward 1 City Councilor Maureen Troubetaris said that she was “very sad” that Miller was eliminated from the show, but on the other hand, was confident that Miller’s talents and personality would take her very far in life.

“I know she will be an inspiration to many people,” said Troubetaris. “She’s a very humble person, and I know that will get her a long way.”

Troubetaris said that Miller made Beverly proud, and that the positive publicity she brought to the city through her homecoming celebration was fantastic.

Page 2 of 2 - “You can never buy that kind of publicity,” said Troubetaris. “If you did, you’d be paying millions of dollars.”

Troubetaris commented that it was great to see the reaction Miller elicited from her visit to Centerville Elementary School, and that it was likely Miller didn’t expect the sheer level of positive reaction to her homecoming.

“I was overwhelmed by the size of the crowd at the parade and then going down to Herrick Street. It was amazing,” said Troubetaris. “I think she was equally overwhelmed, and you could see that in her.”

The city councilor also commended the various city departments and officials who collaborated to make Miller’s return visit possible on such short notice.

In the end, Troubetaris said that the kind of person Miller is, in addition to her vocal talents, would catapult her to the next level.

“She has a humble upbringing and that shows,” said Troubetaris. “She’s a true Christian in many senses. I’m very proud of her; there’s just not enough words to say.”

Fellow contestants Candice Glover and Kree Harrison are headed to next week’s performance show on Wednesday night to compete for the Season 12 “Idol” crown announced on Thursday, but Miller will also be performing on the Thursday show as well and is rumored to be singing a duet with Season 8 runner up Adam Lambert. The finale will air live on the FOX network on May 16 at 8 p.m.